Amish by Accident Trilogy: Amish by Accident

By Jennifer Spredemann and J.E.B. Spredemann

Read the book (along with its sequel & prequel) that started it all for USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Spredemann!

Now, you can get the entire Amish by Accident trilogy in a single volume!

If you're looking for exciting Amish Fiction, this is it!

About the books:

ENGLISCH ON PURPOSE - Mattie Riehl never expected her life to turn out this way. Raised Mennonite and amongst Amish friends in beautiful Lancaster County, she should be perfectly content, shouldn't she? But something inside beckons her to another world, another life. Can she leave her roots and her friends behind for a world she knows little about? Will she abandon everything, including the God her parents have taught her to follow? Englisch on Purpose is the prequel to Jennifer Spredemann's award-winning book, Amish by Accident, and is the story of Elisabeth Schrock's best friend, Mattie.

AMISH BY ACCIDENT - Luke Beiler has loved Elisabeth Schrock for as long as he can remember and is looking forward to the day they both join the church so they can marry. Elisabeth, however, chafes under the church rules and flees to the Englisch world leaving Luke heart broken. When an accident leaves Brianna Mitchell with amnesia, she feels helplessly lost. What will happen when she is mistaken for Elisabeth Schrock and taken home to Paradise, Pennsylvania?

CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE - Mattie Greene returns to Paradise near Christmastime, believing her marriage is coming to an end. Carson and Elisabeth are not ready to see their friends' marriage dissolve and they fight to keep them together. Will Mattie and Richard reunite in time for a perfect Christmas? Or will they spend the holidays – and the rest of their lives – alone?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blessed Publishing
• Release date: May 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201985639

Book preview

The

COMPLETE

Amish by Accident

Trilogy

Jennifer Spredemann

J.E.B. Spredemann

Copyright 2012-present by Jennifer Spredemann, J.E.B. Spredemann

All incidents and characters in this book are completely fictional and derived by the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual incidents and persons living or dead are purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this work/book may be copied, transmitted, or stored in any form or by any means, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior written consent from the authors/publisher.

Disclaimer: Any herbal information in this book was derived by the author’s (J.S.) education and experience as a Nutritional Herbologist but is written for fictional and informational use only. No herbal information in this book is, in any way, meant as a prescription or medical advice. This information has not been approved by the FDA, AMA, or any other government agency. It is your constitutional right to prescribe for yourself, if you choose to do so. The author assumes no responsibility for the treatments in this book, if you should choose to implement them. Therefore, the government requires the recommendation that you see your health care provider if you have any medical concerns/issues.

Published in Indiana by Blessed Publishing.

www.jenniferspredemann.com

All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Cover design by iCreate Designs

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ENGLISCH ON PURPOSE

AMISH BY ACCIDENT

CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE

BOOK LIST

BOOKS by JENNIFER SPREDEMANN

Learning to Love – Saul’s Story (Sequel to Chloe’s Revelation in the Amish Girls Series)

AMISH BY ACCIDENT TRILOGY

Amish by Accident

Englisch on Purpose (Prequel to Amish by Accident)

Christmas in Paradise (Sequel to Amish by Accident) (co-authored with Brandi Gabriel)

AMISH SECRETS SERIES

An Unforgivable Secret - Amish Secrets 1

A Secret Encounter - Amish Secrets 2

A Secret of the Heart - Amish Secrets 3

An Undeniable Secret - Amish Secrets 4

A Secret Sacrifice - Amish Secrets 5 (co-authored with Brandi Gabriel)

A Secret of the Soul - Amish Secrets 6

A Secret Christmas – Amish Secrets 7 (co-authored with Brandi Gabriel)

KING FAMILY SAGA

An Amish Reward

An Amish Deception

An Amish Honor

An Amish Blessing

An Amish Betrayal

––––––––

AMISH COUNTRY BRIDES

The Trespasser (Amish Country Brides)

The Heartbreaker (Amish Country Brides)

The Charmer (Amish Country Brides)

The Drifter (Amish Country Brides)

The Giver (Amish Country Brides)

The Teacher (Amish Country Brides)

The Widower (Amish Country Brides)

The Keeper (Amish Country Brides)

The Pretender (Amish Country Brides)

The Healer (Amish Country Brides)

NOVELETTES

Cindy’s Story – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 1

Rosabelle’s Story – An Amish Fairly Tale Novelette 2

OTHER

Her Amish Identity (Amish Amnesia Romance) (formerly Love Impossible: Amish Dreams)

Unlikely Santa

Unlikely Sweethearts

An Unexpected Gift (Amish Christmas Miracles collection)

Unlikely Singing (More Amish Christmas Miracles collection)

COMING 2022 (Lord Willing)

The Newcomer (Amish Country Brides)

Unlikely Season

BOOKS by J.E.B. SPREDEMANN

AMISH GIRLS SERIES

Joanna’s Struggle

Danika’s Journey

Chloe’s Revelation

Susanna’s Surprise

Annie’s Decision

Abigail’s Triumph

Brooke’s Quest

Leah’s Legacy

A Christmas of Mercy – Amish Girls Holiday

Author’s Note

––––––––

It should be noted that the Amish people and their communities differ one from another. There are, in fact, no two Amish communities are exactly alike. It is this premise on which this book is written. We have taken cautious steps to assure the authenticity of Amish practices and customs. Both Old Order Amish and New Order Amish are portrayed in this work of fiction and may be inconsistent with some Amish communities.

We, as Englischers, can learn a lot from the Plain People and their simple way of life. Their hard work, close-knit family life, and concern for others are to be applauded. As the Lord wills, may this special culture continue to be respected and remain so for many centuries to come. And may God open their eyes to the light of His love and grace.

If you’re interested in learning more about the differences in Amish culture, please refer to my blog post That’s Not Amish!

To my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,

May the words of my mouth, the meditation of my heart, and works of my hands bring You glory.

Englisch on Purpose

(Prequel to Amish by Accident)

Jennifer Spredemann

J.E.B. Spredemann

© Copyright 2015 by Jennifer Spredemann, J.E.B. Spredemann

All incidents and characters in this book are completely fictional and derived by the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual incidents and persons living or dead are purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this work/book may be copied, transmitted, or stored in any form or by any means, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior written consent from the authors/publisher.

Disclaimer: The herbal information in this book was derived by the author’s (J.S.) education and experience as a Nutritional Herbologist but is written for fictional and informational use only. No herbal information in this book is, in any way, meant as a prescription or medical advice. This information has not been approved by the FDA, AMA, or any other government agency. It is your constitutional right to prescribe for yourself, if you choose to do so. The author assumes no responsibility for the treatments in this book, if you should choose to implement them. Therefore, the government requires the recommendation that you see your health care provider if you have any medical concerns/issues.

Published in Indiana by Blessed Publishing.

www.jenniferspredemann.com

All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Cover design by Getcovers

To Samuel and Polly, who remain Englisch on Purpose for all the right reasons...

May our gracious God continue to bless your wonderful family.

Characters in Englisch on Purpose

The Riehl Family

Mattie (aka Matilda) – protagonist

Matthew – Mattie’s father (best friend of Jonathan Fisher in the Amish Girls Series)

Maryanna – Mattie’s mother, co-protagonist of Susanna’s Surprise

Rebekah – Mattie’s sister

Ellie – Mattie’s sister

The Hostettler Family

Judah – Mattie’s maternal grandfather, bishop of fictional Paradise Amish district

Lydia – Mattie’s maternal grandmother, Judah’s wife

Annie (Yoder) Hostettler – Mattie’s aunt, protagonist of Annie’s Decision

Joshua – Mattie’s uncle, Annie’s husband, protagonist of Annie’s Decision

The Fisher Family

Johnny and Judah (aka JJ) – Mattie’s twin cousins, sons of Jonathan and Susie

Jonathan – Mattie’s uncle, protagonist of Susanna’s Surprise

Susie – Mattie’s aunt, Jonathan’s wife, protagonist of Susanna’s Surprise

The Schrock Family

Elisabeth – Mattie’s best friend, protagonist of Amish by Accident

Jacob – Elisabeth’s brother

Martha – Elisabeth’s sister

Ben and Leah – Elisabeth’s parents, protagonists of Leah’s Legacy

The Brenneman Family

Rachel – Elisabeth’s neighbor

Saul and Chloe – Rachel’s parents, protagonists of Chloe’s Revelation and Saul’s Story

Others

Richard Greene – protagonist

Jackie – Richard’s sister

Mr. Bonneville – Mattie’s employer

Luke Beiler – Elisabeth’s beau

Unofficial Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words

Ach – Oh

Dat, Daed – Dad

Denki – Thanks

Der Herr – The Lord

Dochder – Daughter

Englischer – A non-Amish person

Fraa – Woman, Wife

Gott – God

Grosseldre - Grandparents

Gut – Good

Hullo – Hello

Jah – Yes

Kinner – Children

Kinskinner – Grandchildren

Lieb (Liebchen) – Love, My Love

Mamm – Mom

Mammi – Grandmother

Nee – No

Ordnung – Rules of the Amish Community

Schatzi – Sweetheart

Vatter – Father

Chapter 1

Matthew Riehl listened closely. Did he hear something? He peeked over at his wife, Maryanna, in the darkness, who lay by his side, softly snoring.

A soft click told him all he needed to know. He hastily rose from the bed and pulled his suspendered pants on quietly. He nearly tumbled over his work boots as he tiptoed toward the living room. He flipped the lights on.

Dad? His daughter’s surprised expression was wrought with anguish.

His muscled forearms crossed his chest. What are you doing out at this hour? Your curfew was an hour ago, young lady. He pointed to the clock on the wall.

I...I...uh, Johnny and Judah wanted to stay out longer. I told them I had to be home.

That’s not good enough. Try again. He raised a brow.

What’s going on? Matthew turned at Maryanna’s voice.

"Our daughter is just now returning home."

Maryanna sighed. Matthew, can’t we discuss this in the morning? I’m sure Mattie’s tired.

Matthew didn’t miss the ‘thanks, Mom’ look Mattie tossed Maryanna. I think it needs to be discussed now, he insisted.

Why? Maryanna challenged him.

Why? Because this is important, that’s why. And by the time she awakens in the morning, I’ll have been working a couple of hours. At least.

One of their other daughters, Rebekah, walked into the kitchen, yawning. What’s going on, Mom?

Your older sister, here, is late. Once again. Matthew frowned. You may go back to bed, Rebekah.

Mattie’s hands flew up. I don’t know what you want me to say, Dad. I’ve told you the truth. She yawned. I’m tired. Can I go to bed now?

No. He held out his hand. Give me your keys.

But, Dad–

Now. Matthew tempered his frustration as best as he could.

Tears welled in his daughter’s eyes and she yanked her car keys from her purse.

Matthew clenched his fingers around them. You’re grounded for two weeks.

But how will I get to school and work without my car?

"Perhaps you should have thought about that before you decided to return home late."

Matthew, isn’t this a little harsh? Maryanna’s hand caressed his back.

Matthew frowned. No, this is not harsh. We’ve been over this before. She’s had fair warning. She needs to realize there are consequences for her actions. He turned back to their daughter. Go to bed, Mattie.

"You’re just like Dawdi Sabastian!"

He grimaced as his daughter flew up the stairs in tears. Being compared to his ultra-strict Amish father was not a compliment by any stretch of the word.

Are you sure that was the best thing to do?

Matthew stared at his wife in disbelief. Listen, Maryanna. I need you to support me. We need to be in agreement.

I just don’t think that was the best thing to do.

"And what would you have done?"

I probably would have waited until tomorrow, then I would have reasoned with her.

We’ve tried that already, remember? Matthew sighed. Maryanna, do you think it’s easy for me to put restrictions on our children? Well, it’s not. She knows better. And Mattie staying out late is asking for trouble. Especially if she’s with Jonathan’s boys.

Maryanna exhaled. You have a point.

~

Okay, Lis, I’ve had it! My parents are driving me crazy, Mattie ranted. If they keep this up, I think I’m going to scream.

Elisabeth eyed her best friend. I can’t believe they took your car away.

Not the car, just the keys. Which is essentially the same thing, I guess. Mattie paced from Elisabeth’s bedroom window to her desk, then plopped down in her chair. I’m thinking of leaving.

Mattie, don’t leave. What am I going to do if you’re gone?

Come with me then.

I don’t know. It’s kind of scary. Elisabeth shook her head. Where will you go? Who will you stay with?

I’m sure I’ll find a place. I’ve been saving up money from my job. Mattie tapped her chin. I think I’ll look up ‘Help Wanted’ ads in New York.

Elisabeth’s eyes widened. New York?

You know I’ve always wanted to go there. Why not?

"But it’s so big. And there are ferhoodled people there."

Mattie smiled at her Amish best friend. "There are ferhoodled people everywhere, Lis. Just look at my cousins." She laughed, thinking of Johnny and Judah and all the mischief the twins had gotten into over the years.

I can’t believe they still have their motorcycles. You’d think Bishop Hostettler would have made them sell them.

Oh, I’m sure he will when they finally join the church.

"Do you think they will? Because I can see them becoming Englisch."

They said they plan to join the church. I just don’t think they’re ready to settle down just yet.

~

Jonathan, Matthew began, after taking a sip of his root beer.

Jonathan raised his hands in protest, a definitive smirk on his face. I already know what you’re going to say. My boys, right?

You’ve got to give them some restrictions. They’ve been getting Mattie into trouble. She was late again.

Jonathan’s brow shot up. That’s it?

It’s a big deal when my daughter disobeys me.

Maybe you should lift her curfew.

Lift her curfew? Matthew shook his head. She’s got work and school. She needs sleep at night.

She’s an adult, Matt. She needs to figure out for herself what’s important and what’s not. Her work and school might suffer a bit, but she could learn a valuable lesson. You and Maryanna won’t always be there to tell her what time to be home. She needs to learn responsibility. That could be the best way.

I don’t know...

What’s the worst-case scenario? She misses a class or loses her job, right?

Matthew shook his head. Or she falls asleep driving and kills herself or someone else.

"Our time is in Der Herr’s hands; you know that."

"I know, I know. But shouldn’t I do something?"

Jonathan nodded. Yes. Pray for her. Then leave her in God’s hands.

That’s so hard to do.

"Our kinner do not belong to us; they belong to Der Herr." 

Matthew attempted to tamper his frustration. I realize that, but I still feel that I should be a parent to her.

There’s another option.

What’s that?

Jonathan rubbed his beard. You could give her an ultimatum.

Matthew frowned. A what?

Give her a choice: follow the rules of the house or move out.

That’s a tough one. Maryanna would kill me if I told Mattie that. Besides, where would she stay?

She’d figure it out pretty quickly.

Matthew chuckled. She’d probably move in with you.

Jonathan shrugged. Her cousins wouldn’t mind.

That would be like a reward for her, I think. He shook his head.

Maryanna stepped into the shop. Ooh, rewards? I like rewards. She eyed both men. What are you two up to?

We’re discussing our daughter, Matthew said.

Oh. Maryanna nodded. Susie and I were discussing a get-together. We want to go on a camping trip. What do you think? We can invite Josh and Annie too.

Jonathan smiled at Matthew. Sounds good to me. Matt?

How long did you have in mind? We’ve got work. Matthew looked at his wife.

Could you take off a Friday? We can leave early and spend all day there, then spend the night and come home in the evening, Maryanna said.

"The kinner would love it," Jonathan added.

Maryanna smirked. "The kinner, huh?"

I wouldn’t mind taking my fishing pole. Matthew smiled.

Then it’s all set. I’ll tell Susie and Annie, and we can figure out a date that works around everybody’s schedule. Maryanna marched back into the Fisher residence to share the news with her sister.

Chapter 2

So, what do you think of Luke Beiler? Mattie’s brow rose.

Elisabeth frowned and turned off the path to pick a few wildflowers. What do you mean?

Oh, don’t pretend you haven’t noticed!

Noticed what? She brought an unknown orange blossom to her nostrils.

Are you serious? You really haven’t?

Mattie, I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.

Luke Beiler likes you.

She threw a red clover blossom at her friend. He does not!

"I can’t believe you haven’t noticed."

Why would you think that? Don’t you dare tease me like that! You know I’ve always thought he was handsome.

Mattie bent down and plucked a few to add to Elisabeth’s growing bouquet. The last singing I went to with you, I saw him looking our way. Or, more specifically, at you.

You haven’t been to one of our singings in over two months.

And when we stopped and bought that watermelon from their stand the other day, he couldn’t take his eyes off you.

Really? Elisabeth shook her head. No way. I don’t think he does.

Lis! Yes, he most definitely does. Mattie nodded. I’m surprised he hasn’t asked you to ride home with him yet.

"I think you’re ferhoodled."

You just wait and see; he’ll ask you. Mattie loved teasing her friend and watching the color rush to her cheeks. Even she agreed that Luke Beiler was a pretty nice-looking Amish guy, and he seemed kind. Oh, no! Now you’re going to start courting Luke Beiler and you’ll never come to New York!

"First of all, Luke and I aren’t courting. And, even if we were, I wouldn’t let him keep me from visiting you."

You say that now but wait until you’re all in love with him. Promise me you’ll at least come visit! Mattie knew she sounded desperate, but she couldn’t imagine never seeing her best friend again.

Are you sure you’re leaving? I wish you’d stay.

I’ve made up my mind. I don’t want to be stuck here forever. And I know that if I meet someone here, I will be. I want to see New York. Who knows? Maybe I’ll hate it and come back someday.

No, you’ll love it. I know you will. Elisabeth placed the finished bouquet into the basket that swung on her arm and smiled with pleasure.

Promise you’ll visit me?

I can’t promise, because I don’t know the future. But I will if I can, okay?

I guess I’ll have to settle for that then. She reached over and embraced her friend. I’m going to miss you.

"Jah, I’ll miss you too, Mattie." Elisabeth removed a blossom from her basket and placed it into her friend’s hair.

~

Elisabeth, will you take these eggs over to Chloe? She and Rachel will be baking tomorrow and she asked if we had any extra to spare.

"Yes, Mamm. You don’t think she’ll mind if Mattie comes with me?"

Of course not. And tell Chloe to stop by and say hello sometime. Leah turned from the stove and smiled.

"Okay, Mamm, I will."

Mattie, will you be staying for dinner? Leah asked.

No. I have to be at work by one. Mattie frowned, still wondering how she would get there without her car. Thanks for the pumpkin roll and coffee, Leah.

Did you like it? Rachel Brenneman brought that over the other day.

Rachel’s great at baking, Elisabeth added.

I agree, Mattie said.

You girls have a good time, Leah called as they walked out.

Mattie turned to Elisabeth. I like your mom; she’s nice.

"So is your mamm."

Most of the time. But she’s been getting on my nerves lately. She sides with my dad too much.

Elisabeth’s eyes widened. Isn’t that what wives are supposed to do? He’s the leader of the home.

Mattie shrugged. "I guess, but I feel like Mom used to support me more. I felt like she could understand better because she used to be an Englischer, you know?"

"But your vatter was Amish."

"Yes. Maybe I should just be happy that we’re not Amish. No offense to you. There are a lot of good things in the Amish, but I don’t think I’d be able to go along with everything. I can’t imagine not being able to have a car or a telephone."

It’s not so bad when you’re used to it. When you don’t really know about those things, it’s easier to live without them. I think those who join the Amish have the hardest time because they’ve used worldly things their whole lives.

Do you think a car and cell phone are worldly?

I don’t know.

"I would think that if the leaders really thought they were worldly, they wouldn’t use them at all. Yet, they hire drivers to take them places and have phone shanties to make calls. To me, that doesn’t make any sense."

It’s just our way. Your folks don’t have a television.

I know. They value family time. And it’s difficult to have time with family if everyone is staring at a screen the whole time. But I think that televisions can be used for good or for bad. Not all shows are bad.

It’s just an extra safeguard, that’s all. Elisabeth turned to Mattie. "Will you have a television when you move to New York?"

Maybe. But it’s definitely not high on my priority list. Besides, I think I’ll be so busy there I don’t know if I’ll find time to even watch it.

~

Elisabeth knocked on the back door of the Brenneman’s home. She heard power tools coming from their large woodshop and figured Saul and one of his sons were probably building a new playset for a customer. She noticed a vehicle parked out by the shop.

Hello, Elisabeth. Mattie, Chloe greeted with a smile.

There’s a truck out by the shop, Elisabeth said.

"Jah. Probably one of Saul’s customers, no doubt. Chloe glanced toward the shop. Denki for bringing these over, girls. Would you like to come in for a snack?"

Oh, no thank you. I have to be at work at one, Mattie said.

Rachel walked up behind her mother, wearing an apron and a smile. Mattie, will you be at the singing Sunday night?

I don’t know. I’ll see if I can get away.

Are you and Jacob going, Lis? Rachel’s eyes sparkled.

I will, but I can’t answer for Jacob, Elisabeth said. She noticed Rachel’s excitement dwindle a little.

We’d better get going, Lis, Mattie said.

Elisabeth agreed and they turned to go.

"Tell your Mamm I’ll see her at meeting on Sunday," Chloe called out.

Oh, Elisabeth hollered back, "Mamm said to tell you to stop by sometime."

Okay. Tell her maybe next week.

~

Mattie slid off the back of the motorcycle. Thanks for the ride, Johnny.

He smiled. That’s what cousins are for, ain’t so?

Sure.

Hey, are you going to be able to get off work for the camping trip?

Camping trip? When?

Your folks ain’t said nothing to you yet?

Mattie frowned. No.

Well, you and us and the Hostettlers are supposed to go camping soon.

Mattie’s eyebrows rose. "All the Hostettlers?"

"Nee. Uncle Josh’s family only."

When? How could her parents not have told her yet?

A couple weeks, I think. Johnny began backing up the bike when he noticed her father approaching.

Mattie began walking to the house.

Her father nodded. Johnny. Thanks for bringing Mattie home.

"Gern gheschen, Uncle Matthew."

She won’t be riding with you tomorrow.

Mattie spun around. Yes, I will, Johnny.

You’re not allowed to ride motorcycles, in case you have forgotten. He frowned at Mattie.

"In case you have forgotten, I don’t have a car to get to work." Mattie’s hand planted on her hip.

Go to your room, Mattie. He turned to Johnny. You’re not to give my daughter any more rides. Is that understood?

Yes, Uncle Matt.

Tell your brother too.

Alright.

Mattie slammed the door on her way into the house. He makes me so mad!

Maryanna walked from the kitchen into the living area where Mattie was. What’s wrong, Mattie?

Everything, that’s what. First, Dad takes my keys, and now he’s forbidden Johnny and Judah to give me a ride. What does he expect me to do? Walk four miles to work? Mattie vented.

I thought I told you to go to your room. Mattie turned at her father’s voice.

Mom’s talking to me.

"Now, Matilda!"

Mattie ran up the stairs and slammed the door to her bedroom. She wished it had a lock on it. She opened her closet door and reached for an old coffee can she’d decorated two years ago. She removed the lid and dumped out the money she’d been saving. She started organizing the bills by denomination and began counting. Five hundred dollars. It wasn’t a whole lot, but it was a start.

Oh, how she wished it were five thousand dollars! If it were five thousand, her parents would surely find her bedroom empty by tomorrow morning. But the amount was far from it. Tomorrow she’d have to ask her boss if he could give her more hours. If she didn’t make more money, she’d never be able to leave. That would certainly drive her crazy.

Chapter 3

Well, he finally did it.

Mattie’s brow rose at her friend’s unreadable expression. You’re being elusive, Lis. Who did what?

Luke asked me – well, actually, he asked Jacob – if I’d ride home with him. Elisabeth nibbled her bottom lip, a half-smile on her face.

And?

I did.

And?

Elisabeth shrugged. It was fine.

Fine? Just fine? Details, please.

He seems nice. And he’s cute.

What did you talk about?

He talked about his work on his father’s farm. He said he wants his own farm someday.

Sounds like he’s making plans.

He is. He already has some money saved up for it.

It sounds like he’s ambitious.

Elisabeth nodded.

Did he kiss you?

Her friend turned two shades darker.

"I’ll take that as a yes. So he is ambitious. Mattie grinned. Did you kiss him back?"

He only kissed my cheek.

Did he ask to take you home again?

"Jah."

What did you say?

I said I would.

Does this mean you’re planning to stay Amish?

Elisabeth sighed. I’m sure I don’t know what I want.

Well, I hope you don’t make any commitments until you’ve visited New York first.

I haven’t made any commitments. Luke and I just rode together once. But I don’t know how I’d ever get all the way to New York.

You leave that to me. Just promise me that you won’t marry Luke – or anyone else – until you’ve had a chance to see what a different life would look like.

Mattie, it would be a long time before I would even consider anything like getting married. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

You and I both know these things can happen fast, Lis.

"Nee, I’m not ready to marry yet. Besides, I will have to be baptized first, remember? And I’m not sure I want to join the church yet."

There’s always time later if you change your mind, right? Once you join, you’ll be stuck.

I know. That’s why I plan to take things slowly.

Mattie nodded. I’m glad to hear you say that.

I have to admit, though, New York does sound a little frightening. Elisabeth grimaced. And fun. She smiled.

It does, doesn’t it? She grasped her friend’s arm and squeezed. Just think of all the things there are to do there. I can’t wait to go to a Broadway show.

Elisabeth frowned, her expression clueless.

It’s like a big play, or like seeing a movie in person, kind of.

Like the Sight ‘n Sound Theatre?

Yes, but even bigger. Mattie smiled.

"But that costs a lot of money, jah?"

It’s not cheap, but I hope to get a good job. It’s definitely not something I’ll do every week, or every month, even. Maybe I’ll meet some handsome rich guy and he’ll take me.

Elisabeth shook her head and grinned. "Maybe. You’re really going to New York, aren’t you?"

Have I talked about anything else for the last year?

I know. It just makes me sad to know that someday you might not be here anymore.

Don’t be. I fully intend to rope you into going with me. I just wish that you and I were the same age. That would make everything so much easier. 

I don’t know how my folks will ever let me go with you.

Mattie’s eyes bulged. "You’re going to ask your parents? That’s not a good idea, Lis."

Why ever not?

"Think about it. Do you really think your father will give you his blessing? He won’t approve any more than my dad will. And what do you think your mom will say?"

You’re right. So, you think that I should just leave without telling anybody?

Mattie nodded.

Elisabeth blew out a breath. I don’t know if I’d ever have enough nerve to do that.

When the time comes, you will. Mattie locked eyes with Elisabeth and realized she was not only speaking the words to her friend, but to herself, as well.

~

Rachel clung to Jacob Schrock’s waist as the horse leaped over the blue barrel in the field. His male scent filled her senses as she reluctantly released her grasp.

I’m sorry, Rachel. I should’ve warned you about the jump coming up. Jacob briefly glanced back at her.

It’s okay. I saw it. She blushed, thankful Jacob couldn’t see her face. Sorry for holding you so tight. A strand of her blonde hair escaped from under her kerchief.

"No, it was gut. Uh, I mean, I’m just glad you didn’t fall," he hastily added.

Rachel! Her mother’s voice echoed in the distance.

"Ach, that’s my mamm. I better go!"

Already? Was Jacob disappointed?

"Jah, I’d better."

He turned the mare around and headed toward the pasture fence that bordered their property. You wanna ride again later?

I don’t know. I’ll have to see. Uh, you can let me off here. Rachel slid down from the saddle.

Jacob frowned. Okay.

Rachel turned to leave as Jacob moved to release the mare from her saddle. He’d always preferred to ride bareback, so she figured he saddled the horse for her benefit. As soon as Rachel was out of Jacob’s sight, she set out